Looking for work is a bit tedious but it has to be done. I flip through the pages of jobs and select a few to apply and toss the dice. No sooner than the one email was sent, I got a call wanting to schedule an interview. Wow…that was quick.
I made my way to Capital Hill for my interview and I have to say all things went well. There was just one thing I wasn’t looking forward too, my commute home. I would get back to my car right at evening rush hour and I began to think of things to do. Sure I could have met some friends for an adult beverage or 12. Even go walk around the Galleria in Tysons. Instead, I got on Rt. 29 and made my way back to the valley when I remembered that there is a vineyard open 7 days a week not too far from my location
Clifton is a quaint little town that has some really cool shops and eateries. Just on the outskirts is one of Virginia’s newer vineyards and closest winery to the nations capital – Paradise Springs Winery.
Located on a narrow road with McMansions, this is a very unique stop. Beautiful tasting room is filled to the gills on the weekend which means, if you really want to visit I would recommend Thursday or Friday afternoon as a good time to sit relax and enjoy wine.
My first visit was last August and I really enjoyed the reds they were pouring. Especially the Petit Verdot!
Very nice tasting room
On this day, I enjoyed 2 whites along with 2 reds.
’13 Viognier, aged in stainless steel, this wines aromas were of citrus especially kiwi & pineapple. Apples dominated the palate and finish that was very fruity. All these tropical flavors have me craving shrimp macerating in Sriracha and a side of Kimchi.
’14 Sommet Blanc, another stainless aged wine with tropical fruits of mango and pineapple aromas filling the glass. Soft and delicate in the mouth that has a finish of melon. This is a delicate wine that should be paired with spinach, ricotta ravioli in a creamy Alfredo sauce. This dish will soften the fruitiness of this wine.
’13 Cab Franc, aged in French & American oak, the wine has a dark red fruit nose. Fruit forward with cherry on the palate that ends with a peppery subtle spicy finish. These flavors would pair well with wild game like venison.
’12 Meritage, a blend of five Bordeaux varietals in French and American oak, this full-bodied red has a nose of white pepper. A complex, balance of tannins and raspberry and cherry on the palate. A surprise of vanilla with a soft smoky finish makes this wine my favorite of the day. This is a carnivores wine. I would like to try pasta with it but, I feel this wine would overpower the dish. Burger or even pub food. If I didn’t need to get back to the hills, I would have enjoyed a glass on their deck.
I can see why No. Virginian’s flock to this stop.
With only one this week, my total didn’t climb very high. 72 down with 28 to go.
A trip planned this week to Nelson County has me planning on visiting a few that will be new to me.
Bottom’s up Y’all!
Sent from my iPad
crazynvirginia 